The Hermit has been one of my favorite tarot cards for a long time. My first encounter with it wasn't actually a tarot card at all; it was artwork on a record album cover that I saw at the home of a friend. Her older brother was playing the record, and between the picture and the music I was entranced. I was ten, maybe eleven years old. The band would become one of my lifelong favorites.
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The Hermit has been on my mind recently; my kids having taken a trip together to California, I find myself the sole human occupant of my home for the first time in over 25 years. It's not uncomfortable but it has taken a little getting used to. It's also an opportunity such as I haven't had in a long time.
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There are different ways that people interpret this card; for some readers it can signify dishonesty, treachery, and theft. Others interpret it as loneliness and feeling isolated. I don't read it that way myself. In last week's discussion of the Twos I mentioned how the Two of Swords echoes the message of the Hermit somewhat. This is is about being alone, but not lonely. There's an important difference. Taking the time to really think about things, and tuning out outside distractions while doing so works best when you can be alone for a while.
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The Hermit is usually depicted as an old, bearded man. With his staff and long robe he resembles an Old Testament patriarch or a LOTR wizard; holding a lantern he stands alone on a cold, windswept mountain. The light cast by the lantern illuminates the path in front of him; his eyes are focused on that path forward. The light of his lantern is the light of Wisdom, often symbolized by a glowing six-pointed star. It is the hexagram commonly called the Seal of Solomon, used since medieval times to signify occult knowledge, wisdom, and protection from evil. Looking closely we see that his face is unreadable; his thoughts are turned inward and emotions held in abeyance.
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The Hermit often shows up in a reading when the querent is approaching a turning point, a pivotal moment in their life. This change is not violent in nature, as with the Tower, but can be just as profoundly life altering. It happens within us, not to us. The Hermit is about introspection as a catalyst for change.
For some the Hermit indicates a favorable time to go on a retreat or temporary withdrawal from mundane life. For others it's about resolving to take care of daily responsibilities while consistently making time to be alone with your thoughts. What do you truly want for your life? What should you hold onto, and what should be let go of, to serve your highest good? Think carefully. And be honest with yourself.
Reversed, the Hermit can represent loneliness and isolation. Alternatively, it can indicate an unmet need for quiet time alone, and privacy. It can represent chaotic, disorganized thinking. Taking this card in context with surrounding cards in the layout can help clarify what the issue or problem is.
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For myself, this week or so of relative solitude (I'm still surrounded by many other creatures) will be a good thing. I have books to read, a skull to paint, and more than a sufficiency of important things to think about.
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Thank you for reading. This is an open thread, all topics are welcome.